vsl3
What is VSL3?
VSL3 is a probiotic which contains 450 billion live lactic acid bacteria and bifobacteria. There are eight different strains of bacteria in this product in total.
What symptoms does it treat?
VSL3 can treat the general symptoms of IBS by restoring the balance of good bacteria within the colon, thereby helping the gastrointestinal system to function more effectively.
How is VSL3 taken?
VSL3 comes in sachets, and the contents of the sachets can be swallowed with water or with a cold drink. This product needs to be refrigerated.
How successful is VSL3 in clinical trials?
A study published in the journal Neurogastroenterol and Motility (Kim HJ, Vazquez Roque MI, Camilleri M, Stephens D, Burton DD, Baxter K, Thomforde G, Zinsmeister AR) looked at patients with IBS and significant symptoms of bloating.
Forty-eight patients were used for the study, with the test group receiving VSL3 treatment twice a day, and the control group receiving a placebo. The patients in the VSL3 group reported reduced levels of flatulence, and also slower colonic transit. Symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain were not improved by the probiotic however.
Conclusion: VSL3 may help to control flatulence and reduce colonic transit time, but it did not reduce levels of pain or bloating.
REVIEW OF VSL3
Review by Susan 
I have had IBS for many years, with severe pain, bloating and constipation. I had some success with over-the-counter probotics but researched VSL3 and now get it on prescription. I use this once a day in conjunction with Fybogel, Movicol twice a day, and occasional enemas. I now am virtually pain-free and only suffer occasional bloating. Hope this helps.
Review by Norman
I have had IBS for about 30 years, with the main symptoms of urgency and diarrhea. I responded to a request for volunteers to test a probiotic used widely in Europe called VSL3, which helps manage diarrhea, frequency and urgency.
I was sent one month's supply of the product, which came in sachets and had to be kept in the fridge. I took the product in water after food morning and night. The product helped me greatly. I did not experience urgency and passed normal stools. Unfortunately the product is not yet available on NHS prescription and the purchase price is too expensive for me.
Do you suffer from IBS? Have you tried VSL3? Please send in your review.